Saturday 31 May 2008

...

You Look the Business

Said Matt of Axis Productions, as I walked into the recording session with my black music case.

It’s become my default handbag for the increasingly common days where going out involves doing business.

Find one toddler with reins , one reluctant teenager, one doggedly ambitious singer and one black music case containing:

Posters, flyers, demo CD’s, stationary, purse and cards, keys, mobile, makeup, apples, wipes, spare tights and knickers (age two to three)

School holidays take us to Pickering to do some pre-publicity for my concert next Wednesday.

A pleasing day, networking and postering; children bribed with sit down meal, ice cream and handmade chocolate (with a thirteen year old it never comes cheap)

Back to the car, pop my stuff down by the passenger side to put Jennifer in the car seat, run round to the other to clear the chair for a fussy teenager and hop in the driver’s seat.

Back in York we pull into Somerfield to top up for our dinner.

Oh dear… no black music case in the car… no black music case in the boot…

…remember black music case is in on the grass verge by a roadside in Pickering.

One remarkably tolerant teenager, one annoying whining toddler, one doggedly ambitious but harressed singer, one hour-long hot, thirsty drive back to Pickering.

One grass verge…

one black music case….

Yes!!

“We will persevere” said my husband , Peter, when I walked in.

Saturday 24 May 2008

Ruby in a red dress

I don't know whether acting on impulse is a good or a bad thing.
Whilst visiting The Press office on Walmgate I was drawn to a red ballgown in the shop Thumbelina opposite.
I thought how wonderful it would look for the new picture I need. A backless halterneck in incredibly soft flowing scarlet satin with a geometric rushe design across the bust, reminiscent of Thirties elegance.
As always, I had to dash, Cinderella like, to collect my daughter from playgroup. However, I did not forget the dress.
I returned two days later to try it on with the hope of hiring it for the photoshoot.
Alas! Too small. Desperate not to be an ugly sister, and with a little persuasion from my friends, I have commissioned my very own made to measure version.
My friend Maria, of Nightowls mobile discos pointed out "some of our DJ's have a really sharp suit which makes them look like they mean business.."
I am selling it to my husband along the lines of an investment.
He does not yet look impressed: but he will be when he sees the finished product.
My first fitting is a week on Tuesday! I can't wait!!! Watch this space for pics.

Sunday 11 May 2008

If you can't stand the heat get outta the kitchen.

Feeling somewhat overwhelmed lately and I don't know if it's it's the bad cold, heavy period or (by Northern England's standards) the excessive heat of the last few days. When the temperature gauge hits 25 for the first time this year it seems churlish to complain and find oneself longing for rain. However I find myself wondering how those in hot climes get any work done at all as I have dropped off it my chair twice in the last two days.
The mistake I made was sitting in it in the first place: it's a rarity these days as the nearest get to a comfy chair is the ikea computer chair. This is not so comfy these days as three of its six wheels have fallen off so it requires vigilent balancing to stay upright.
If only I had a husband who could fix things, I would be O.k. However, I have never been under any illusions about the practical skills of trusty Pete. In the old days I would have gone to Ikea to buy another one, but now I have no time to go shopping and the house is gradually crumbling and falling apart beneath us: ripped plastic table cloth, hole in the the back gate where rotten planks have fallen through, lots of peeling paintwork, every mug is chipped, we have only five dinner knives, no matching crockery, I have lost the lemon squeezer, need I go on.
In fact I feel incredibly grateful that I still possess the essentials: musical instruments, pen and paper, house, husband and two children. Several less significant things have gone awol in the last few weeks:
1 sheepskin coat
1 suede jacket
1 early learning centre baby (recovered)
1 monkey (stuffed)
several baby cups
numerous lone socks
lemon squeezer (as above)
This later was misplaced along with several 'to be fully idenified' items which all went awol after the collapse of the kitchen drawer. We are only gradually discovering what they are as we can't find them. Looking on the bright side we may never discover we have lost some of them now as now that the evening meal is restricted to stuff like bacon sandwiches and beans on toast we have little use for most utensils.
:

Monday 5 May 2008

Ruby Paul

Ruby Paul has wooed audiences all over Britain in Theatres and Clubs with her sophisicated pop style, reminiscent of legendary artists such as Carole King and Carly Simon, or more recent stars such as Beverley Craven, Nora Jones, Katie Melua and Clare Teal. Loved by the Press, Time Out hailed her as "a powerful and versatile entertainer ", while the independant praised her warm rounded vocal tones "reminiscent of Karen Carpenter". She has been billed at many major festivals such as Glastonbury and Cheltenham Literature Festival supporting Wendy Cope. She has supported artists such as Dick Gaughan, Huge and Loudon Wainwright III. She has graced the bill at the Annual Gay Pride Ball at the N.E.C. No stranger to the National media, she has appeared on BBC TV with Mike Smith; on ITV's Calendar; on BBC Radio Wales with Mal Waite and on BBC Radio Two Arts Show with Austin Mitchell.

Ruby 's first love was singing, and she progressed to the viola, piano and later added acoustic guitar and Celtic harp, going on to immerse herself in jazz , folk and world music as well as completing a classical music B.A. After a while of singing different genres, she started to write songs and is now a member of The British Academy of Composers and Songwriters. Her songs are well-crafted and lyrically driven and she had recent success The U.K. Songwriting Contest, where she beat over 4000 other entrants to reach the final with her song "Something Strong" This has led to Radio features on The North Yorkshire Folk Show and The Jerry Scott Show. She also excelled recently in the Canadian based Narrative Song Contest

Ruby's recordings include the folk- influenced "Cry For The Ladybird" in which she made her mark as an outstanding singer "she seems to feel the essence of each song she sings, moving from the atmospheric to the dramatic" (Cath Sykes) followed by the special 'Jubilee' release, a reminisence project with a local primary school. The jazz influenced 'Brighter Blue' E.P. and the more pop/country influenced 'Velvet Glove' E.P. followed on the Jewelclick label.

Later in 2008, Ruby's will be releasing her first Official single 'Miracle Baby'. It will be twinned with the track 'Make it through' which deals with overcoming loss. Both songs were inspired by her personal journey to concieve through IVF treatment. rubypaul.com/press.php Jewelclick is actively looking for partnerships with other companies to promote the single and Charity DVD version for Children in Need 2008.

Ruby supports many charities, especially local ones connected to babies and and young children. Her work includes helping raise funds for the NHS trust IVF Unit in Leeds, supporting the York Hositals Guardian Angels Appeal for children and The Special Care Baby unit at York Hospital. She is also committed to supporting teenage talent, creating opportunities for young singers in "Search For The Voice of an Angel" and collaborating with young film-makers, some of whose work can be viewed on Ruby's Youtube Channel.